Skip to main content

Analyst’s crystal ball predicts BlackBerry has a phablet in its future

blackberry-z10-1It’s full steam ahead at the moment for BlackBerry and BlackBerry 10, following its initial international release in February, its subsequent introduction in the U.S., and topped off by an upbeat earnings call at the end of March, where the first million BB10 sales were celebrated. There’s definite momentum behind the reborn company, but where is it planning to go next?

According to Peter Misek, an analyst at Jefferies & Co, his research is showing an, “Additional two or three BlackBerry 10 models are likely to launch before year end,” adding we could see a mid-range version of the Q10 and the Z10, plus, “A 5-inch Z10 like device.” While the touchscreen and QWERTY phones are familiar territory for BlackBerry, a 5-inch smartphone/tablet hybrid would be completely new ground.

Feeding on the increased attention this relatively new market niche has gained, a big-screen BlackBerry would be up against some serious – and well-established – competition. Misek says the phablet could arrive at the end of the year, by which time it’s almost certain Samsung will have revealed the Galaxy Note 3 – the third incarnation of the device which arguably started the whole craze off in the first place.

BlackBerry 10 R SeriesWe’ve heard some rumors regarding the other devices Misek mentions, with Sprint expected to grab a different touchscreen phone to the Z10, and images of a QWERTY-equipped R Series BlackBerry phone (possibly to be known as the R10) have recently been leaked online. At the end of March, a leaked roadmap showed an unidentified model – with a suspiciously large screen – called the U10 was set for a late 2013 launch, with the R10 penciled in for early 2014. Could the U10 be the BlackBerry 10 smartphone/tablet hybrid?

BlackBerry CEO Thorsten Heins has also talked up a forthcoming addition to the range, saying he’s excited about one in particular, and that it would take BlackBerry 10, “to another level in terms of the user experience.” Sounds like something more than just cheaper versions of what’s available is in the works.

While the U10 will sound great to many consumers, and the BlackBerry board will no doubt also think it’s a good idea, developers may think otherwise. It’s quite clear on BlackBerry’s developer support page that future BlackBerry smartphones will use either the 1280 x 720, or 720 x 720 pixel resolutions.

For a smartphone/tablet hybrid to make sense, particularly as far in the future as the end of this year, it’ll need to be 1080p if it’s to be taken seriously in the U.S. and Europe. BlackBerry is probably keen not to upset its hard-won army of developers so early in BlackBerry 10’s life by forcing a resolution change on them. Perhaps then, it’ll only be released as a 720p phone in certain emerging markets, where cost is the most important factor, or maybe Misek’s crystal ball is wrong. There’s no official news to share at this time, so for now we’ll put this one down as a possible.

Editors' Recommendations

Andy Boxall
Senior Mobile Writer
Andy is a Senior Writer at Digital Trends, where he concentrates on mobile technology, a subject he has written about for…
BlackBerry Key2 LE: Everything you need to know
The BlackBerry Key2 LE is back home at Verizon, but only for business types
BlackBerry Key2 LE Hands On

The BlackBerry Key LE is a lower-cost version of the Key2, doing away with some of the more high-tech features seen on the expensive sister phone, and cutting costs by using different materials for the body, to create a more affordable but still distinctly BlackBerry smartphone.

You can check out our Key2 LE review to learn more about what it's like to live with the phone, but in the meantime, here are all the technical specs, details, and availability options.
Updates
The BlackBerry Key2 LE is available to buy at Verizon, but only to business and enterprise customers, according to reports. Verizon's selling the Key2 LE for $450 without a contract, or for $100 if you sign up for a two-year plan. The phone does not show up on Verizon's non-business store, so there does not seem to be the option to buy the phone for this price without a business plan.

Read more
Best Apple Watch 8 deals: Save on last year’s model
Close-up of a person taking a call on their Apple Watch Series 8.

One of the best smartwatches can add a lot to both your fitness routine and your day-to-day style, and the Apple Watch lineup is one people turn to frequently. The Apple Watch Series 9 is the current most recent release, but the Apple Watch Series 8 is still plenty capable, and it makes for great savings because it’s a generation old at this point. There are some Apple Watch 8 deals currently taking place, and we’ve tallied them below for your saving pleasure. So whether you’re starting a new fitness routine or cleaning up your wardrobe, don’t hesitate to shop the best Apple Watch 8 deals while they last.
Apple Watch Series 8 (GPS + Cellular, 45mm) (refurbished) — $255, was $273

This is the Apple Watch Series 8 45mm size, which is the largest you’ll find in an Apple Watch 8. It also has built-in GPS and the ability to connect to your cellular plan for connectivity anywhere you get a signal. This is a refurbished model of the Apple Watch 8. Shopping refurbished is a great way to land some savings, and you can do so knowing this watch is backed by Amazon’s renewal standards. It will still have all of the great features people love about the Apple Watch Series 8, including advanced health features and access to Apple’s software ecosystem.

Read more
Best Apple deals: Save on AirPods, Apple Watch, iPad, MacBook
Apple MacBook Air M1 open, on a table.

Apple has been a big player in the tech space for a long time, and it has pioneered some of the technology we use today, such as best wireless earbuds and the best smartwatches. If that wasn't enough, it even makes some of the best best laptops and best tablets on the market, so pretty much whatever tech you're looking for, Apple has an excellent version of it. Not only that, but Apple's ecosystem is also easily one of the best available, with only Samsung really competing in that space, and if you're already in the Apple ecosystem, then it makes sense to continue buying stuff from Apple.

Of course, Apple tech can be quite pricey, which is why we've gone out and searched through various big retailers to find you some of the best deals we can find. That includes everything from the MacBook to the AirTag, so hopefully, you can find the perfect deal that fits your needs and budget.
Apple AirTag (4-Pack) -- $80, was $99

Read more